Several Sabah political groups have condemned the burning of a placard depicting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a weekend anti-corruption protest, describing it as somewhat excessive, disrespectful, and contrary to the state’s tradition of civil discourse.
The incident occurred during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally at Lintasan Deasoka, organised by student group Suara Mahasiswa UMS.
The placard, showing a caricature of the prime minister, was set alight as the demonstration drew to a close on Sunday as part of a symbolic gesture to demand the premier’s action against corruption in the state.
MUDA Sabah expressed concern over the symbolism, saying the act—though reflecting deep public frustration—was ultimately reckless.
“Even if public anger is real and justified, burning imagery in a public space, with children and elderly around, is irresponsible.
“Sabahans deserve change, but through courage and integrity—not provocation,” the party said in a statement on Sunday.
The youth wing of Sabah PKR condemned the act as disrespectful to the reform movement and inconsistent with democratic norms.
“Burning the image of a prime minister who has fought corruption for decades does not align with the spirit of principled protest.”
“This kind of street-level gimmickry risks undermining real institutional progress,” said the state youth chief Mohd Nur Hilmie Milus.
G57 leader Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar went further, calling the act “rude and extreme”, and urged Sabahans to reject what he described as a creeping culture of political hostility.
“The people of Sabah are known for their courtesy and calm. This kind of spectacle is shocking and uncharacteristic,” he said.
Parti Warisan also distanced itself from the alleged burning of the controversial protest prop.
Warisan information chief Datuk Azis Jamman also addressed the placard-burning, stressing that no party member was involved in the act.
“Based on the information we’ve received, the burning was done by the students themselves.
“Let the authorities investigate using the available recordings and evidence,” he said. – June 22, 2025
